6 Reasons You Should Buy a Jump Rope

Not many things remind me of being a kid quite like skipping. As far as memories-everyone-can-relate-to go, I would put it right up there on the same level as the Home Ice Cream van, Art Attack and coloured zinc cream. Maybe that’s why I don’t find skipping to be too much of a chore… even when I’m whipping myself around the ankles and swearing loudly under my breath, I can’t stop grinning. 

The wonderful news about the good old jump rope is that it’s not only a bit of fun and nostalgic trip down memory lane, it’s good for your health AND you can generally pick one up for well under 10 bucks. In fact, this is definitely one situation where more expensive doesn’t mean better. I’ve had some branded ropes in my time and I don’t think any of them have lasted me as long as this one from Hart Sport.

So now that I’ve pretty much professed my undying love for the jump rope, here are my top six reasons for why you should go out and purchase one immediately.

Portability
A jump rope is literally the only piece of equipment I’ll ever bother to take on holidays with me. It takes up so little space in your suitcase, and can be used as the basis for myriad highly effective (but short) workouts. Plus, you don’t need a whole lot of room to use it!

Calorie Burn
Any exercise that uses multiple muscle groups means a nice big calorie burn, and skipping ticks that box by involving your upper and lower body plus core! Some reports actually suggest that jumping rope burns twice as many calories as jogging, although that’s obviously very dependent on the speed at which you normally skip (and jog!).

Versatility
You can put together so many workouts using a jump rope. I planned a super simple one for the gym on Monday – 3mins of skipping (mix of singles, crossovers, single legs, double unders etc) following by 10 push ups, 10 KB swings + 10 squat rows. Time left up to 5mins was rest. Repeat 6 times. I made this up as I walked into the gym and could come up with a dozen variations very quickly – all it takes is a little imagination! I’ll start working some into the blog over the coming weeks.

All-Weather
You really don’t need a lot of room for a jump rope, so it’s a great thing to add to your home-gym arsenal. Perfect for these cold winter days, and equally suitable for hot summer days… just stick a fan out in the garage and jump away, out of the glare of the UV rays!

Suitable for All Levels
A jump rope is one of those wonderful pieces of equipment that is completely dictated by you! Whether you haven’t picked up a skipping room in 15 years or it’s part of your weekly routine, you’ll be able to work up a sweat and get results because it’s really all about finding your own limits.

Brain Engagement
I find skipping a great way to fire up those neurons, basically because if I don’t switch on, I end up with welts on the back of my legs. As you start to hone your skill, try throwing some double unders in there and see how quickly you focus.

So there you go… my top six reasons for why you should head out and buy a jump rope (immediately). Already own one? I’d love it if you’d share some of your favourite workouts in the comments below!

p.s Enjoy some of my favourite skipping moves… including my fraught-with-danger attempt to turn 180 degrees without tripping (check out how proud of myself I look!).